For many students, summer is the time for them to decompress and soak up the sun. To some, however, it’s also time to continue working.
A job is a fundamental piece of life that facilitates growth and all teens should have summer jobs at some point. The income earned teaches students to save and helps them understand the work ethic required for a job. But balance is also important, and being able to work for a couple hours and then go enjoy time with friends is fulfilling.
“I will be working at a pizzeria and will be babysitting because I enjoy making food and spending time with kids to prepare for my future,” Rafaella Lima said.
The thought of laying on the beach, listening to the waves and feeling the sun on your skin is a feeling you are sure to miss when you are stuck inside and unable to escape until the next long weekend. Summer gives students the freedom of being able to live without a strict, everyday routine. The thought of not having to do school work or be stressed over upcoming assignments is truly what all students strive for.
“I enjoy summer because I have a shore house and it feels like my second home. I like going on bike rides with my family and being free,” Enza Abbatiello said.
Summer jobs offer teens far more than just a paycheck, they’re a chance to grow, learn and prepare for the future. Beyond earning money, these jobs help teens develop responsibility, time management, problem-solving and financial literacy, which are skills that aren’t always taught in school yet are invaluable for personal and professional development. For many teens, summer jobs are their first introduction to workplace dynamics and hard work in different forms, so it can prepare them for the “real world.” So, whether it’s flipping burgers, lifeguarding or interning at a local business, summer jobs teach teens that effort can lead to truly appreciable rewards. In a world where instant fulfillment is the norm, the discipline and hard work gained from a summer job can set teens up for long-term success.
